How can I clean musty smelling curtains?

Donna Wood
by Donna Wood

What home remedies are available to remove the musty and moldy smell out of curtains stored in the cellar


  8 answers
  • FrugalFamilyTimes.com FrugalFamilyTimes.com on Dec 10, 2019

    Are they washable, Donna? That's a good place to start. Often they aren't though. You can try hanging them outdoors in the sunshine to get some smell out. You may need to have them dry cleaned.

  • Emily Emily on Dec 10, 2019

    Yes, if they are washable the smell should easily be removed. It they are not washable there is a product that you can use in your dryer to remove the smell. . .can't remember the name of it but a local hardware/Home Depot type store should know.

  • Em Em on Dec 10, 2019

    Are they washable? If yes a quick run through the washing machine should do it. I use unscented laundry detergent and musty odors still come out. Add some baking soda or oxyiclean if you wish.

  • Kathy Gunter Law Kathy Gunter Law on Dec 10, 2019

    Spray with OdoBan. It is a deodorizer and disinfectant.

  • Beth Beth on Dec 10, 2019

    As others have said, if they're washable, try that first. Putting them out in the sun is also a good bet. Some Febreeze could also help.

  • Cindy Cindy on Dec 12, 2019

    Hi Donna. You could sprinkle baking soda on them and put them in a big garbage bag for a couple hours. Take them out and either shake or vacuum them. Repeat if necessary. Also try leaving the baking soda on longer if the smell persists.

  • Heidi Heidi on Dec 10, 2020

    Vinegar and water in a tub.

  • Dee Dee on Dec 10, 2020

    Wash with baking soda and white vinegar. May take a few washings. You could also add lemon juice to the rinse, but make sure you do a second rinse.